Best Places to Buy Vinyl Records Online
The resurgence of vinyl records in recent years has been a delightful surprise for music lovers, audiophiles, and collectors alike. There’s something special about holding a physical record, marveling at the cover art, and dropping the needle for that warm, analog sound. Fortunately, the internet has made buying vinyl records more accessible than ever before. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to buy vinyl records online.
- Discogs
Discogs is a must-visit site for vinyl aficionados. You can find an unbeatable selection of vinyl records, including rare and hard-to-find gems. There’s also a community of buyers and sellers who rate and review vinyl records, which makes it easy to determine the quality and authenticity of a record before purchasing. Additionally, Discogs offers a platform for selling your own vinyl records, which can be a great way to fund your vinyl addiction or make space in your collection.
- Amazon
Amazon is a giant in the online marketplace, and its vinyl selection is no exception. You can find both new and used vinyl records, often at a reasonable price. Additionally, Amazon offers free shipping on many vinyl records, which can save you money in the long run. A downside to shopping for vinyl records on Amazon is that the marketplace can be oversaturated, and it can be challenging to weed out low-quality records from the mix.
- eBay
eBay has long been a go-to site for collectors of all kinds, and vinyl records are no exception. You can find a wide range of records, from popular releases to rare and obscure finds. Additionally, eBay offers an auction-style platform, which can make it possible to snag a rare record at a lower price than you might find elsewhere. Be sure to read seller reviews carefully before bidding, and proceed with caution when buying expensive records.
- Vinyl Me, Please
Vinyl Me, Please is a subscription-based service that sends you a curated vinyl record each month. The records are often exclusive to Vinyl Me, Please, and the selection tends to be eclectic and high-quality. Memberships start at $29/month, which can be more expensive than other online vinyl retailers, but the added benefit of a personalized, surprise record every month can be worth the splurge.
- Rough Trade
Rough Trade is a UK-based record shop that offers a sizable online selection of vinyl records. You can find new releases, classics, and harder-to-find records. Additionally, Rough Trade offers free shipping over $75, which can be a great incentive to order several records at once. One downside is that Rough Trade can be on the pricier side, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for budget-friendly vinyl.
In conclusion, there are many excellent options for buying vinyl records online. Discogs, Amazon, eBay, Vinyl Me, Please, and Rough Trade are all fantastic places to start your search for your next favorite record. Remember to read reviews, compare prices, and shop around to find the best deals on vinyl records that suit your taste and budget. Happy hunting!